Springbok lock RG Snyman says he never expected to play 50 Tests for his country and was delighted to do so with a win against an Ireland team full of familiar faces.
Rassie Erasmus conceded the Springboks weren't at their best in the 24-13 win over Ireland but was a happy man after coming away with a victory in Dublin for the first time since 2012.
The Wallabies' European tour ended in Paris with a 48–33 defeat to France - sealing their first winless tour of Europe since 1958 and confirming an unprecedented 10 Test losses in a single year.
Winger Chelsin Kolbe revealed the driving force behind the Springboks is their motivation to stay on top and that they are taking nothing for granted against Ireland.
Springbok prop Thomas du Toit is adamant that previous encounters between South Africa and Ireland will have no bearing on their mentality heading into the Test on Saturday.
Ireland have welcomed the return of two British and Irish Lions as they prepare to face the Springboks in Dublin on Saturday.